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The fact remains that Redman has played in 8 of 10 games with 5 starts, Dwyer has played in 7 of 10 games with 2 starts, and Mendenhall has played in 3 games with 3 starts.

If you don't think Redman is as talented as the other guys, that's one thing...but to keep playing the "Redman's running style gets him injured" card...well, he's no more injured than any of our other backs this season.

The current crop of RBs are generally sucky. Can't stay healthy, have flaws in their game, and none of them has stepped up to grab a prime opportunity to be a starting franchise RB.

2:27PM EST November 18. 2012 - PITTSBURGH — Rashard Mendenhall has jumped right back to the front of the rotation in the Pittsburgh Steelers backfield after missing a month with a left Achilles tendon injury.

He has reclaimed his starting role for Sunday night's critical AFC North showdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field.

His return is a shot in the arm for the Steelers, who will be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs), receiver-returner Antonio Brown (ankle) and safety Troy Polamalu (calf).

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And it sends a strong message about coach Mike Tomlin's confidence level in the fifth-year pro, given Mendenhall apparently won't be eased into the role. Tomlin confirmed Mendenhall's status during an interview with the team's website.

Without Mendenhall, the Steelers' rushing attack thrived with a stable of backs. In October matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins, Jonathan Dwyer became the first Steelers back since Willie Parker in 2008 to post back-to-back 100-yard games. Then Isaac Redman gained a career-high 147 yards against the New York Giants.

"It's a good thing for our team to continue to win and to see our running game doing well," Mendenhall said.

While NFL starters rarely lose their job to injury, the emergence of Mendenhall's replacements provides options.

Mendenhall insisted Friday he was never concerned about his spot on the depth chart.

"I don't get into allof that," he said.

Mendenhall missed the first three games of the season as he recovered from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament, then played one full game before injuring the Achilles at Tennessee on Oct. 11. He had rushed 19 times for 74 yards, averaging 3.9 yards a carry.

He told USA TODAY Sports he thought the Achilles became susceptible to injury as he overcompensated while trying to regain full strength in his surgically repaired knee.

With Mendenhall's comeback, the other backs will not be suddenly pushed into the corner. Expect offensive coordinator Todd Haley to share the workload, based on need, circumstance and performance.

If Mendenhall were the coordinator, how would he split up the carries?

"Good thing I'm not the offensive coordinator," he said. "We'll see how he divides it up."

"I think the biggest thing is that it gives the defense a different look," Starks told USA TODAY Sports. "As long as we block and provide the holes where they are supposed to be, anybody can run back there."

Molon labe

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Mendenhall sucks. You can find better backs from the 5th round on. Time for Colbert to go and Rooney to tell Tomlin to stay the hell out of personnel decisions.

Pretty harsh statement Mr P. Mendy is the square peg for the Steelers round hole though- more of a slashing runner that would likely benefit from a Shanahan run scheme than behind the Steelers bohemoths on the OL who's starting position is generally assured by the more "X's" they have on the lapel inside the collar of their shirt.

The Steelers OL is a smash mouth OL, designed for power running. Dwyer & Redman will benefit most from these guys, while Mendy will flit around looking for holes to open up.

When the Steelers drafted Mendy, Chadman always got the feeling he wasn't the #1 target, but his value was simply too good to pass up. There is no doubt in Chadman's mind that Mendy is the most talented RB on the roster. He just doesn't necessarily fit the steelers persona.

Pretty harsh statement Mr P. Mendy is the square peg for the Steelers round hole though- more of a slashing runner that would likely benefit from a Shanahan run scheme than behind the Steelers bohemoths on the OL who's starting position is generally assured by the more "X's" they have on the lapel inside the collar of their shirt.

The Steelers OL is a smash mouth OL, designed for power running. Dwyer & Redman will benefit most from these guys, while Mendy will flit around looking for holes to open up.

When the Steelers drafted Mendy, Chadman always got the feeling he wasn't the #1 target, but his value was simply too good to pass up. There is no doubt in Chadman's mind that Mendy is the most talented RB on the roster. He just doesn't necessarily fit the steelers persona.

He may have the speed, hands, etc. you find in other number one runners...but what he lacks is a set of balls to pick a hole and go and he goes down on first contact 95% of the time. Throw in his knack for injury and it is my belief you can find guys like him in the later rounds. The only thing surprising to me is that the injury bug didn't get him in Illinois.

I personally wanted Ray Rice that year....and would still take him easily over Mendenhall.